World RX: Abu Dhabi Entry list confirmed

The Lineup for the opening round of the season includes new boy Pal Try. Source: fiaworldrallycross.com

The waiting is almost over. Confirmed in a tweet earlier this morning, the entry list for the opening round of the 2019 FIA World RX season in Abu Dhabi will include seventeen cars with Team STARD also announcing their second driver.

Team STARD have announced that Norwegian Pal Try will partner Janis Baumanis for the opening round in Abu Dhabi. Little is known about the Norwegian driver but he will have a lot to prove to show that he belongs in a car as competitive as the Team STARD fiesta.

The opening round will take place around the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi; a circuit which is arguably more suited to Formula 1 and MotoGP as opposed to World RX. This will also be the first time that a World RX event will take place in low light conditions with the track being lit with floodlights which has created a lot of skepticism within the community. Nonetheless, the designers have created a very interesting layout which includes turns 4,5 and 6 of the international circuit with a man-made jump included in the infield.

Niclas Gronholm tests out the new track. Source: fiaworldrallycross.com

Reinis Nitiss,who will also make an appearance for GRX in Abu Dhabi stated that: “. “A little while back, I took part in the Abu Dhabi circuit presentation – it looks very interesting and I am sure that there will lots of thrilling action. This will be the first time a rallycross event takes place in the evening and the track will be artificially lit.”

With good endorsement from the drivers and a 17 car lineup, this season is looking like one of the most exciting yet.

The season gets underway on the 5th of April in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina International Circuit. The season will close off on the 9th of November in South Africa at the Killarney Motor Circuit.